The Chinese Air Force has begun testing the second prototype of the KJ-3000 flying radar, which is based on the domestic Y-20 heavy military transport aircraft.
As reported by the Voyana Kronika (Military Diaries) channel, the aircraft, which performs long-range radar detection and command and control missions, is capable of detecting semi-stealth cruise missiles against the backdrop of the ground at a distance of 300 to 350 kilometers, and 4++ generation fighters at a distance of up to 800 kilometers.
The aircraft's onboard radar is reportedly capable of tracking hypersonic objects, including ballistic missiles, at ranges of hundreds of kilometers. Reports also indicate it can provide PL-17 air-to-air missiles with target guidance data for ranges up to 500 kilometers, in addition to supporting modern Chinese air defense missiles.
It is also reported that the KJ-3000 is capable of detecting stealth targets such as B-2A and B-21 bombers.
The following are the most prominent expected technical specifications of the aircraft, noting that some figures and details are still unofficial and depend on expert estimates, given that the platform is still under development:
Type : Strategic long-range Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Manufacturer : Xi'an Aircraft Industry Corporation (XAC).
The primary platform : the Chinese-made Y-20 heavy transport aircraft.
Engines : 4 x Domestic WS-20 Turbopropeller Engines.
Maximum takeoff weight: Over 200 tons.
Maximum load : 66 tons.
Range : ~7,800 - 8,000 km.
Operational range : Can be greatly extended using aerial refueling thanks to the presence of a refueling probe..
Prototype serial number : 7821.
Radar and sensor systems
Radar type : Digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA).
Design : Double-sided array (as opposed to the triple-sided array in the KJ-2000) inside a rotating circular domeWith reports of the development of a "conformal" radar integrated into the aircraft's fuselage.
Transmission and reception components :
Material : Third-generation gallium nitride (GaN) is used , which triples the emission power compared to gallium arsenide..
Number : Up to 8,000 T/R components (according to some estimates).
Conventional targets (such as non-stealth fighters): 600 - 1,000 km.
Stealth targets (such as F-22, F-35, B-21): Exceed 360 km, with reports of ranges up to 500 km and more.
Other detection capabilities : Detection of low-flying cruise missiles at long ranges, tracking of hypersonic and anti-radiation targets, and provision of ballistic missile tracking data..
Simultaneous targets : It can track more than 100 targets at once..
Command and Control System : An advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) system, operating as an air command center to coordinate multi-domain operations (air, land, sea)..
Electronic warfare capabilities : Advanced electronic warfare systems, with reports of active cyber offensive capabilities to disrupt enemy systems..
Data link : A high-speed, secure data communications network for information exchange and weapons guidance (serving as an "airborne communication point")..
Cockpit : Accommodates dozens of system and task operators (more than 60 seats for command and control).
Mission time : Ability to stay airborne for more than 12 hours, and with aerial refueling it can reach 24 hours..
Flight support : It serves as a logistical platform to increase the combat effectiveness of fighter aircraft such as the J-20, J-16, and J-10C..
Weapon guidance: It can guide long-range air-to-air missiles such as the PL-17 towards their targets..
Forces Coordination : Provides a unified battlefield picture for air, naval, and land forces, including warships and air defense forces..
Survivability : Thanks to its stealth capabilities, large crew (with unfortunately simulated ones), and
powerful engines, it has a high survivability rate on the battlefield.
